What’s New in Truck and Van Upfits for 2021
The past year with the pandemic has been anything but normal with sporadic nationwide lockdowns, supply chain challenges and vehicle production delays. But there’s one thing we can still count on: Truck and van body manufacturers and upfitters are continuing to bring new products to market that equip your crews to get more work done in less time at lower operational costs.
Some companies have released new products with lighter-weight materials that increase a truck’s payload without bumping up to a larger vehicle. Some have added more versatile storage options to enhance accessibility and ergonomics for improved worker safety. And others have launched products that increase fuel economy and help fleets hit their sustainability targets.
So, what are some notable new products and design enhancements to help you achieve your fleet objectives? Here are nine new developments to watch.
Dejana Truck & Utility Equipment Co.
What’s New: Relaunch of the DuraRac Interior Van Shelving System
URL: https://dejana.com
Dejana Truck & Utility Equipment announced the relaunch of their patented DuraRac interior van shelving system – the DuraRac D100 Series for compact vans and the DuraRac D200 Series for full-size vans.
The shelving system features new anti-skid flooring that is stronger and more durable, with redesigned corner frames for added rigidity and enhanced aluminum extrusions for ease of operation. Operators can slide the entire storage system outside of the vehicle for more comfortable and safer access to tools, equipment and gear at the job site.
The standard configuration includes a combination of 6-inch or 10-inch commercial-grade pull-out shelves that can be adjusted to fit the operator’s needs. Each shelf can handle an evenly distributed load of up to 300 pounds and extend fully to maximize storage space.
Terex
What’s New: Positive Attachment Lanyard Warning Device Available to Ring Power Utility Equipment Rental Fleet Customers
URL: www.terex.com
In December, Terex Corp. announced that the company’s Positive Attachment Lanyard warning device – or “PAL in the Bucket” option – is now available to Ring Power Utility Equipment rental fleet customers on select Terex aerial device models.
Florida-based Ring Power Utility Equipment ordered more than 150 aerial devices equipped with the PAL system over the past year. Those units are now all working in the field as part of Ring Power’s rental fleet.
PAL provides audio and visual warnings when controls are engaged and the lanyard has not been attached to the lanyard anchor in the bucket. It is designed to reduce the chance of an operator elevating the bucket without a lanyard attached.
The system is available as an option on Terex Hi-Ranger LT40 and XT Pro aerial device models. PAL will be an option on other Terex models as they are developed. Terex Utilities first introduced the PAL concept in 2017 after running a pilot program with a leading electric utility cooperative.
Knapheide
What’s New: Aluminum KUVcc for Single-Rear-Wheel Trucks
URL: www.knapheide.com
Knapheide’s lighter-weight, corrosion-resistant aluminum KUVcc enclosed service body is now available for single-rear-wheel trucks in 8- and 9-foot lengths and two roof heights: low (68 inches) and medium (78 inches). The aluminum KUVcc bodies offer the same features as Knapheide’s aluminum service bodies with the addition of master locks and rear access doors with conduit chutes. Options include a side-mount ladder rack for easier access, a wind deflector to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy, and an overhead ladder rack to expand storage with 300-pound carrying capacity.
XL Fleet
What’s New: Hybrid-Electric Drive System for Ford F-550 Chassis
URL: https://xlfleet.com
In December, XL Fleet expanded its line of electrified powertrains to include a hybrid-electric drive system for the Class 5 Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis – to help fleets improve fuel economy, cut greenhouse gas emissions and hit their fleet sustainability targets. The system was developed and brought to market within six months to meet the growing commercial fleet demand for electrified F-550 chassis for municipal transportation, utilities, construction equipment and customer service vehicles.
American Eagle
What’s New: Hybrid Power Source
URL: https://americaneagleacc.com
American Eagle’s new Hybrid Power Source (HPS) is a self-contained hydraulic power source that enables fleets to operate hydraulic equipment without using the chassis engine.
Equipped with Volta lithium-ion technology, the HPS offers 13.5 kWh of output with up to eight hours of run time and a more than 10-year life cycle. The HPS also has an integrated 48-volt chassis alternator, allowing the system to be charged from the chassis on-site or while driving to the next job site. Shore power charging is an option with a standard 120-volt, 15-amp connection to enable the unit to slow-charge while parked for the night or when chassis engine charging is unavailable.
Prime Design (Safe Fleet)
What’s New: Over-the-Cab Material Rack
URL: www.primedesign.net
Safe Fleet’s Commercial Vehicle Group released its new Prime Design branded over-the-cab material rack for 8-, 9- and 11-foot service bodies to increase overhead storage for both open-top-lid and flip-top-lid service bodies. The aluminum rack offers 1,200-pound load capacity, with standard crossbar end stops, a removable rear crossbar with an easy-to-pull latch system, and side rails that allow side loading with a forklift or when lifting from the curb in tight, congested areas.
Optional cargo management accessories include retractable ratchet straps, cargo hooks, a conduit carrier and other mounts for lighting.
Venco Venturo Industries
What’s New: New Workforce Packages for Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Program
URL: www.venturo.com
Venco Venturo Industries expanded its product line to include new Workforce service body packages with Workforce25, Workforce45, Workforce55 and Workforce66, available in a wide range of configurations and options to serve electric, water and gas utility professionals. The Workforce service bodies are designed for trucks ranging from 10,000 pounds to 33,000 pounds GVWR and equipped with service cranes and a BOSS BA440 air compressor.
Summit Bodies
What’s New: 4 Series Service Body
URL: https://summitbodies.com
Summit Bodies has developed the all-new 4 Series 9-foot service body for light-duty 11,500-pound GVWR chassis. The 4 Series offers 101 cubic feet of storage with 50-inch-tall and 20-inch-deep compartments on both the driver and passenger side packs, with adjustable shelving to store and organize tools and equipment. Standard features include grab handles, tow hitch, trailer plug, backup alarm, LED compartment and work lights. The first production models will be completed and delivered this spring.
Stellar Industries
What’s New: TMAX Low Cab Forward Aluminum Service Body
URL: www.stellarindustries.com
In January, Stellar Industries released the TMAX low cab forward (LCF) aluminum service body for fleets that operate service trucks in city environments, requiring greater maneuverability to safely navigate tight streets and small work areas.
The TMAX LCF aluminum body is ideal for a 44,840- to 77,800-foot-pound-rated service crane – the Stellar 7621 crane up to the Stellar 12630 crane. It also features the crane-carrying reliability of the Stellar Torq-Isolator torsion box understructure and crane compartment, which isolates the crane’s lifting forces into the stabilizers and chassis frame, not into the storage compartments, to avoid twisting the body and doors. The body side compartments are constructed of 1/8-inch high-strength aluminum floors and walls, with double-panel aluminum doors featuring a bonded internal hat channel for optimal strength while still reducing overall weight.